John Deere ditches ‘cultural awareness’ events after online backlash

Tractor company John Deere has revealed it will no longer be participating in events or festivals related to “cultural awareness” after receiving social media backlash over winning a pro-LGBT award.

The company was recently honored at the Out & Equal Workplace Summit for its focus on diversity and inclusion after it reportedly funded an LGBT pride event for children and asked employees to list their pronouns on all communications. In the wake of this criticism, the company has said it is “always listening to feedback” from its customers and looking at its policies to prioritize ones “that more closely align our business strategy.” 

“We remain committed to listening to our customers, employees, and other key stakeholders,” it said in the statement. “Your trust and confidence in us are of the utmost importance to everyone at John Deere and we fully intend to earn it every day and in every way we can.”

As such, the company has clarified it will no longer partake in or support “external social or cultural awareness parades, festivals, or events.” The statement also said that “diversity quotes and pronoun identification” are not and “never have been” part of the company’s policy.

Noticeably, the company said toward the end of the statement that it will continue “to track and advance” the organization’s diversity because it believes diversity within the workforce allows it to help customers in the best manner.

John Deere’s statement follows Tractor Supply’s announcement it would be ditching its goals and company roles related to diversity, equity, and inclusion to reflect the priorities of its customers. The company also announced it would no longer submit data to the Human Rights Campaign, an LGBT advocacy group, nor would it sponsor nonbusiness activities, such as Pride events.

DEI has received a growing number of critics over the last few months, with Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) arguing it is “destroying our country” in an interview last week. Rep. Burgess Owens (R-UT) has also launched a new House caucus to combat DEI ideology within education.

The Washington Examiner contacted John Deere for comment.